Life lessons: W.Va. elective abortions among lowest in nation

January 28, 2013

During 1978, 6,170 babies were aborted in West Virginia, according to a national research organization. By 2009 the number had dropped to 2,169.

That is wonderful news - though it still represents 2,169 too many abortions in the Mountain State.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, West Virginia has one of the lowest abortion rates in the United States - about one-third the national rate.

Various explanations have been offered for that. One claim by pro-abortion advocates is that the rate here is low because there are comparatively few abortion providers. That contention ignores the dramatic drop since 1978.

On one thing there seems to be agreement, however: Educating women, especially young ones, has helped. Improved access to contraceptive devices also has been a factor.

Some abortions are medical necessities, to safeguard mothers. But West Virginians should keep up the good - nay, the vital - work of reducing elective abortions.